Plaster Mouldings?

[DPlaya]

Hey guys, can anyone recommend a good place to get plaster crown mouldings from. I have a new construction and I'm looking for roughly 1000ft with install. So far I have been quoted between 7-8.50$ per foot. Thought it was quite high. Anyway if anyone has any contacts that you could put me in touch with or direct me to the right place, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

DP

 

[james t kirk]

why not use wood mouldings?

http://www.brenlo.ca/

 

[DPlaya]

Hey bw, really you think 7-8.50$ is normal. I thought it was a little bit expensive, but I was looking to see if I could get it in the low 7$ or high 6$.

I had looked at wood and MDF, but I'm concerned that with these 2 materials you have to do more cuts and the seams might be more visible especially in a new construction when the walls have more settling to do.

Does anyone know of a place I might find plaster mouldings cheaper with install. Thanks.

DP

 

[DPlaya]

Hey JTK, I had thought about using wood, but again the settling issue with the walls because its a new construction might cause the seams to open up and be more noticeable with wood then say plaster.

Based on my research thus far the best material to go with is plaster, followed by mdf, then wood. That's according to if you want the least amount of separation visible. But I'm still doing research.

DP

 

[tboy]

If you're REALLY concerned with joints opening up, you can go with pvc or foam. They will never separate and you can't tell the difference from any other material.

Plus you can get more intricate patterns at a lower cost because they are cast not machined.

They run about 12.00 per 8 foot length or thereabouts. You can get them at
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/

 

[Moraff]

I could be wrong, but if the house is going to settle enough that would separate your wood/mdf moldings wouldn't the plaster ones do just the same thing?

 

[oldjones]

Checkout Picotte Plastics, they'll run the profile you want if they don't stock it. But it is foam, not plaster.

 

[Marcus1027]

try king crown mouldings, they are up in vaughan, they did my place last year and did it for about a 1/3 less than what you were quoted. talk to mike

 

[james t kirk]

Crown mouldings will often times separate at the ceiling line.

The PROBLEM is ALWAYS the same:

1. Nothing is square.

2. Nothing is plumb.

3. Nothing is flat.

4. Ceilings deflect.

You'll be amazed.

You can compensate to a point, however, there's only so much they can do.

Invariably, you end up filling on top of the crown between the top of the crown and the ceiling where there are gaps. Then, as the house moves, settles, or deflects, you get a hairline crack in the filler.

You can try to use a paintable latex caulk to fill the gap, however, even it will crack over time.

The best way is to nail it into floor joists, but this requires FINDING the joists.

Crown looks great, but it has its draw backs.

Also, to put it up properly is a 2 man job, taking time to figure out all corners, angles, etc.

 

[Moraff]

Lee Valley sells a tool that's supposed to make it possible to do one-person...

Crown Molding Hanger, each
03K18.05
$10.95

Haven't tried it, but the theory sounds good.

 

[Dirtyoldbasturd]

Hey bw, really you think 7-8.50$ is normal. I thought it was a little bit expensive, but I was looking to see if I could get it in the low 7$ or high 6$.

I had looked at wood and MDF, but I'm concerned that with these 2 materials you have to do more cuts and the seams might be more visible especially in a new construction when the walls have more settling to do.

Does anyone know of a place I might find plaster mouldings cheaper with install. Thanks.

DP

This is the going rate for plaster crown molding. 7-8.50$ but don't forget you pay for what you get. if somebody gives you a lower price .. why are they under cutting their price from the other plasterer? Are they good? I think not. Be careful is all I can say, ask for references and follow up with visits to the the houses they hung crown molding in. Plaster crown is hands down the best way to go the method of applying it is a little rough and by god it's freaking messy but the finish produce is excellent. As for MDF and wood crown molding stay away you'll get cracks in your joints wood filler dries out, Spackle does the same and if you try to use latex caulk your just going to make a mess, mind you latex caulk is the better way to go.

Plaster molding is pretty cool shit... it is an art... They'll bring in the plaster crown in 5-6 foot lengths and hang it with 1/4 to 1/2 inch gaps in between the pieces and the wall then they fill and sculpt the cracks and joints with quick set plaster and use a couple basic hand tools so no joints are visible. It literally becomes one piece.

Just one thing make sure they or you cover the doors and baseboards and windows, I repeat it's freak'n messy, prep work and clean up should be part of the price if not then you have a chip to bargain with.

good luck
DOB

 

[herames]

i have trimmed enough wood moulding to know..Crown mouldings are better in looking in plaster ..but depends on the shape of the pattern and skill of install

 

[tboy]

i have trimmed enough wood moulding to know..Crown mouldings are better in looking in plaster ..but depends on the shape of the pattern and skill of install

and also whether you are going to stain it or not. Paint grade is nice if you're going for the art deco look but if you're trying to create a warmer more english look, then a wood moulding (not finger jointed) can't be beat.

And yes, it is much easier doing crown with two people but I do it all the time alone.......and yes, to do it correctly takes skill. A good trimmer can match up the pattern while doing the cuts so that you'd never know they are there.......